Apple’s new iPad mini 8 comes with a thinner design, an OLED display and a more powerful processor, but there’s one upgrade that comes with a compromise.
Newly published regulatory documents confirm that the compact tablet has a smaller battery than its predecessor, although Apple claims battery life hasn’t been affected.
According to Apple’s EU energy label documentation, the iPad mini 8 has a 4,900mAh battery, down from the 5,034mAh capacity found in the iPad mini 7. That’s a reduction of 134mAh, or roughly 2.7%, which isn’t particularly significant on its own but is worth noting given the improvements elsewhere.
The smaller battery appears to be one of the trade-offs for the tablet’s slimmer design. Apple has reduced the thickness from 6.3mm to just 5.4mm, while weight has dropped from 293g to 255g. That makes the new model noticeably more portable on paper, although it leaves less room for a larger battery.
Despite the reduction, Apple is still promising up to 10 hours of battery life for video playback or web browsing, matching the previous generation. The improved efficiency of the new A20 Pro chip and OLED display could help explain how Apple has maintained that figure, although this hasn’t been independently verified.
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The OLED screen is one of the iPad mini 8’s biggest upgrades, replacing the IPS LCD panel found on the previous model. It promises improved brightness, sharper visuals and better contrast, although Apple has kept the refresh rate at 60Hz, which may disappoint anyone hoping for a smoother 120Hz experience.
Underneath, the A20 Pro processor also brings a performance boost, making the new iPad mini a more capable option for demanding apps and everyday multitasking. Combined with the lighter design and upgraded display, it’s a substantial refresh for Apple’s smallest tablet, even if the battery capacity has taken a slight hit.
The iPad mini 8 is currently available to pre-order, with real-world battery testing still needed to establish whether Apple’s 10-hour claim holds up. For now, the smaller battery isn’t necessarily a reason to avoid the new model, but it’s a potential compromise worth keeping in mind before upgrading.